LAS VEGAS, NV – The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series may have wrapped up the 2008 season in September but that has not stopped some series regulars from seeking out other race events to compete in. Jason Beaulieu, driver of the All Weather Windows sponsored #46 Late Model (2007 NPP Champion/4th in 2008) decided to take a gamble and run the biggest IMCA Modified race in the Western United States. The 11th annual Duel in the Desert took place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on November 13th, 14th and 15th

The Campbell River, BC driver was one of a handful of Canadians among the 219 registered IMCA Modified teams to compete for over $40,000 in cash. Unfortunately for Beaulieu his race weekend ended early when he blew his motor in a qualifying heat Friday night. “We were running third getting ready to make a pass for second then the motor let go and that was it.” Beaulieu finished 6th in his first qualifying heat Thursday (finished 10th Friday). “We completely missed the set up the first night. Track conditions change so quickly here.” Each qualifying heat had up to 12 cars race. A win secured a spot in Saturday nights big Feature. Placing second through 8 reserved a spot in several last chance races. “It’s a real tough format,” adds Beaulieu, “a pill draw determines your starting position in the heat. You don’t get too many chances to advance.” Beaulieu was confident he had a chance to be a part of the big Feature Saturday night. “Comparing both nights (Thursday and Friday) we were definitely moving forward. Now we will never know.” This is Beaulieu last official competitive race of 2008. The next time he gets behind the wheel of a race car will be the 2009 season opener of the NPP Late Model Series at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta.